27 Counts Of Neglect Face Couple

The owners of more than 200 animals found living in alleged filthy conditions on a farm near Harvard were charged Wednesday with inhumane care of animals.

Raymond Reszke, 47, and Beth Reszke, whose age was unavailable, were each charged with 27 counts of inhumane care, said McHenry County Assistant State's Atty. James Kelly.

The charges are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. A court date of Aug. 11 has been set, Kelly said.

Further charges could be filed against the Reszkes for leaving two young children alone in their home at 116 Olbrich Rd., where they were found by county officials on June 27, authorities said.

The animal-related charges were based on alleged failure to provide adequate care for the estimated 260 animals found in the house, barn and shed on the property and for allowing the animals to live allegedly in deplorable conditions, such as urine- and feces-filled cages.

Despite the living conditions of the animals, the couple has never been prohibited from living in the house, although it was recommended that they not do so, said Patrick McNulty, director of environmental health for the McHenry County Health Department.

"Subsequent to that, they were making very significant progress in cleaning the property out, so we never sought a proper court order," McNulty said.

County officials went to the farm last month to respond to a complaint of barking dogs. They said they found the animals living in the house, barn and shed with two children who had been left unattended.

The 11-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy were taken into temporary custody by the McHenry County Sheriff's Police before they were turned over to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, who then placed the children with relatives.

A juvenile court petition regarding the children is still under consideration as the state's attorney's office awaits reports from DCFS, said Assistant State's Atty. Terence Nader.

"As for court action, we will decide when their investigation is complete," Nader said.

Kelly could not say if any charges would be filed against the couple about the children being left alone.

The animals, including dogs, cats, parakeets, chickens, a goat and a sheep, were taken to the McHenry County Animal Control facility on Banford Road.